An army spokesman said the War Pensions Scheme, which provides compensation to former service personnel and their dependents for injuries, illness and death caused by service and which Lee is part of, requires only that a former soldier raise a 'reasonable doubt' their condition is due to service for entitlement to be accepted.

An army spokesman said: "We offer our sincere sympathies to Mr Hall.

"We can confirm all service personnel receive briefing and training prior to deployment or assignment to different climates, and this includes environmental and healthcare factors.

"Sun block creams of various strengths are either issued or readily available, as appropriate, and guidance reminds personnel that they should be used and re-applied frequently."